noun

phosphorylation

fos-for-uh-LAY-shuhn

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Phosphorylation (noun) means the transfer of a phosphate group from one molecule to another, usually with the help of an enzyme. Example: “Phosphorylation switches many proteins between an active and an inactive state.”

noun

biochemistry The transfer of a phosphate group from one molecule to another, usually with the help of an enzyme.

"Phosphorylation switches many proteins between an active and an inactive state."

"Cells rely on phosphorylation to store and release chemical energy."

"The enzyme catalyses phosphorylation of the target protein within seconds."

How to use phosphorylation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPhosphorylation is when a phosphate group gets attached to a molecule, often switching it on or off.

When to use it

Phosphorylation is a specialist biochemistry term, not used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Break it into parts, phos-phor-yl-ation, and picture a phosphate group being attached to a molecule.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

phosphorescence →

Common pairings

protein phosphorylation phosphorylation site oxidative phosphorylation phosphorylation of a protein

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “phosphorylation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ switches many proteins between an active and an inactive state.

Etymology

Phosphorylation is formed from ‘phosphoryl’, a chemical term for a particular group containing phosphorus, together with the suffix ‘-ation’, which turns a process into a noun.

Origin: English

Antonyms

dephosphorylation

Rhymes for phosphorylation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for phosphorylation →

Frequently asked questions

What is phosphorylation?

Phosphorylation is the process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, usually with the help of an enzyme.

Why is phosphorylation important in cells?

It is a key way cells switch proteins on or off and manage energy, often through molecules like ATP.

What is the opposite of phosphorylation?

The reverse process, in which a phosphate group is removed, is called dephosphorylation.

What is the meaning of phosphorylation?

"phosphorylation" (noun) means the transfer of a phosphate group from one molecule to another, usually with the help of an enzyme.